Hill was placed on administrative leave during the investigation of the shooting that involved Hill and suspect Charles Pettit.

Pettit was shot after allegedly burglarizing a house in the 600 block of Peppertree Lane. Police say he jumped the fence and ran through a parking lot at Rose State.

Knowing police were on his trail, Pettit allegedly pulled a gun. That’s when Hill shot Pettit several times. Officials say Pettit is still in critical condition at OU Medical.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater wrote the following about the investigation to Midwest City Police Chief Brandon Clabes:

“Pettit ran to a trash dumpster and attempted to conceal himself from Officer Hill. Officer Hill was yelling commands for Pettit to stop and show his hands. Witnesses reported that Officer Hill commanded Pettit to show his hands multiple times. As Officer Hill approached the trash dumpster, Pettit appeared from behind the dumpster, raised a handgun and pointed it directly at Officer Hill. Officer Hill responded with gunfire and struck Pettit multiple times. Officer Hill ceased firing when Pettit was no longer a threat…

“His [Officer Hill’s] tactics and judgement used during the event likely prevented other citizens or officers from being threatened or harmed by the armed burglar’s actions. I consider your officer, Officer James Hill cleared for duty as you see fit.”

“Officer Hill performed above and beyond expectations during a highly stressful situation, especially after pursuing Petitt on foot, in the dark, and being confronted with a loaded firearm,” Chief Brandon Clabes said. “Officer Hill’s two tours in Afghanistan as a Marine and his law enforcement training allowed him to survive this extremely dangerous encounter. ”